South Africa in August 2023

[Bob33]

I was in South Africa for a couple weeks in August. The trip was a combination hunt with rifle / hunt with camera.
My initial wish list included a nyala, red hartebeest, and a waterbuck. While there the opportunity to add a sable came up so I ended replacing the hartebeest with a sable.

While I expected the sable to be the most difficult of the three, I was able to happen upon a nice 40” bull with good mass in the first two days of hunting. The waterbuck took a couple days, and the nyala ended up being the most difficult. We pursued it for four days before it presented a shot I wanted. I found myself with mixed emotions when first approaching the downed nyala; excitement and joy but also a bit of sadness and respect. It was an older animal that lived in a harsh world for many years evading leopards, poachers, and a host of other challenges. It had been able to avoid presenting me with a good shot for many days before finally making a mistake. It is a trophy I will cherish.

The last several days I was in Kruger National Park. The park holds an estimated 150,000 impalas, 13,000 elephants, scores of zebras and other animals and birds. I’m still sorting through thousands of images.

South Africa is a land of contrasts. Poverty is widespread. Unemployment is officially 33% and unofficially closer to 50%. They have insufficient power to handle demand. Crime in many areas is rampant. In spite of all that they have some phenomenal wildlife populations, and safe travel is possible. I never felt threatened or in any danger.

I would encourage anyone who is considering a trip there to do so in the relatively near future. There is growing discontent by many in the country and some questions about where it may lead.

Here are a few photos from the trip that I hope portray a little of the experiences I was able to have.

[MADMAX]

Congratulations
That’s a trip of a lifetime 👍

[Timberstalker]

Wow. Your posts never disappoint, Bob. Thank You for sharing.

[pd]

Well done, Sir!  The photographs are beautiful.

Question: Did you eat any of the meat that you harvested (have you had a chance to consume yet)?  I cannot imagine what any of those critters taste like.

[Rob]

Those are some quality trophies!  Sables are perhaps my favorite of the antelope.


I second the "do it while you still can" advice...  lots of things happening in SA right now that could dramtically change the opportunities.

[Bob33]

Well done, Sir!  The photographs are beautiful.

Question: Did you eat any of the meat that you harvested (have you had a chance to consume yet)?  I cannot imagine what any of those critters taste like.

We consumed some of everything we killed while there. Surplus meat is given to local people in need. Unfortunately meat cannot be taken out of the country.

[Angry Perch]

Wow, what an otherworldly place. Amazing pictures.

[bearhunter99]

Amazing pictures!  What a great opportunity!

[JWBINX]

Very Nice!!

[pd]

Well done, Sir!  The photographs are beautiful.

Question: Did you eat any of the meat that you harvested (have you had a chance to consume yet)?  I cannot imagine what any of those critters taste like.

We consumed some of everything we killed while there. Surplus meat is given to local people in need. Unfortunately meat cannot be taken out of the country.

Interesting, you are not allowed to export it, or the U.S. authorities will not allow you to import it?  In any case, what did they taste like??  I am seriously curious.

[Ridgerunner]

Great photos, I was in SA 5 years ago, one of my favorite trips ever.  I did not go after a Nyala while I was there, that is my biggest regret.  Thanks for sharing such great photos, brings back many great memories.  One of my favorite trophies from my trip was an impala ram that took 3 days of playing cat and mouse before we finally outsmarted him.  That morning we were not supposed to hunt but the guide said lets make a quick hunt and see if we can turn him up, thankfully we did.  The people are pretty amazing, the amount of game is unreal and the scenary is something else.  Truely a magical place. 

[birdshooter1189]

Awesome photos, thanks for sharing!  Feel free to share more 

[time2hunt]

Bob ,
Awesome pics we are looking  at 24 or 25 for a trip. The research as been pretty easy so far. My biggest question is the cost of bringing back your trophy animals?  I’ve been told it’s just as expensive as the trip by the time you get done.


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[Mfowl]

Fantastic trophies and photos! Thanks for sharing!

[Wphunt]

Looks like a great trip. Beautiful trophies and photos. I’ll be heading to the east cape in April for my first international hunt.